Sticky Situation

Natalie has an essay due for school tomorrow.  Her teacher gave the assignment weeks ago, but Natalie waited too long to get started.  She's been working on the essay for hours.  Now it's way past her bedtime, and she can barely keep her eyes open.  She's worried that she won't finish in time.  What should Natalie do?

~ Scholastic News

Crisis in Syria

Read pages 4-5 in this edition of Scholastic News.Why have millions of people been forced from their homes in Syria?  What is life like at the refugee camps?

What does the word civilian mean?

What does the word refugee mean?

Require Foreign Language Classes?

If you want to give your brain a good workout, think about saying !hola! to another language.  A recent study found that kids who learn more than one language have sharper minds when they get older.  Many people say that speaking a foreign language also gives students a better understanding of the world.  They also argue that kids who know at least two languages will have an advantage when they look for jobs in the future.  However, more than two thirds of the US elementary schools don't offer foreign-language classes.  Some school officials say they can't fit language lessons into the packed school day.  Others say students should spend their time mastering English instead.  What do YOU think?

~ Scholastic News

Sticky Situation

Joy and Adam have been friends for years.  Lately, Adam has been hanging out with kids who often cause trouble.  One day, Joy sees Adam stealing snacks from the cafeteria.  She tries to talk with him about his behavior, but he won't listen.  Joy wants to tell Adam's parents, but she doesn't want Adam to be mad at her.  What should Joy do?
~ Scholastic News

Punxsutawney Phil

What did Phil predict on Groundhog's Day this year? 
Click here to find out:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/groundhog-day-2013-punxsutawney-phil-sees-shadow-predicts/story?id=18382344

A Mammoth Find

What did a 12 year old boy find near his home in Russia?  Read page 2 to find out!

Why is this find such a big deal?

Fine Parents if Kids Skip School?

Cutting class comes with a price at many schools.  A growing number of cities are fining parents whose kids skip school.  In Rochester, New Hampshire, fines can go as high as $1,000 per absence.  Some school officials say the fines will help boost attendance.  A recent study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland found that as many as 7.5 million students miss at least one month of school each year.  Supporters of the penalties say the fines also encourage parents to keep better track of their kids. But others say making parents pay for their kids' actions sends the wrong message.  Instead of fining parents, they want kids to be punished in school.  What do YOU think?
~ Scholastic News